Science & Research

The Escalante River Watershed Partnership recognizes the important role of science as a guide to actions aimed at accomplishing its Mission. Each committee considers relevant research in planning projects, and sharing data with the academic community as well as across project areas is a vital component of science-based management.

A long-range science/research goal of the collective ERWP is to hold an annual Escalante Science Symposium. This is a gathering of researchers, land managers, and representatives of other pertinent organizations to assess critical science needs, research opportunities, strategies, and questions that would guide the development of the Escalante watershed as a “living laboratory” for basic and applied science.

See more about our current and past symposiums here:

Resources & Publications

Scott, M.L., Williams, E.J., Friedman, J.M., Spence, J.R. & McNeally, P.B. (2025) Long-term geomorphic response of a southwestern USA river following establishment and removal of an invasive riparian tree. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.

Scott, M. L., L. V. Reynolds, P. B. Shafroth, J. R. Spence (2018) The role of a non-native tree in riparian vegetation expansion and channel narrowing along a dryland river. Ecohydrology.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (2017) Habitat Restoration and Management of Native and Non-native Trees in Southwestern Riparian Ecosystems

D. Backer (2017) Science Round-up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Garfield County (2013) Garfield County Resource Assessment – Conserving Natural Resources for Our Future, Upper Sevier & Canyonlands Conservation Districts

M. Turaski (2006) Groundwater Discharge from the Navajo Sandstone in the Upper Escalante Basin

S. Rice, A. Springer (2006) Level 2 Springs Inventory of the Escalante River Headwaters Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

S. Rice, A. Springer (2006) Use of Springs to Quantify Groundwater and Surface Water Interactions in the Escalante Basin